Slovenia recorded a significant deterioration in road safety in 2025, with a sharp increase in fatalities due to speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and unsafe motorcycle riding.
According to preliminary data released by the Slovenian Police, 93 people lost their lives on the country’s roads in 2025. This represents a 37% increase compared to 2024, when 68 fatalities were recorded — the lowest number since records began. While long-term trends still show a substantial improvement in road safety, the latest figures serve as a stark reminder that progress can be quickly reversed.
Data
In total, 20,824 road traffic collisions were recorded during the year, marking a 2.9% increase compared to 2024. More concerning is the severity of these incidents: the number of seriously injured road users rose by 6%, indicating that collisions in 2025 were generally more severe, despite a reduction in minor injuries.
Summer
The deterioration in road safety was particularly pronounced during the summer period. July 2025 was the deadliest month in the past decade, with 25 people killed. A single crash on the Styrian motorway claimed five lives, making it the most severe road traffic collision of the year. Elevated fatality numbers were also recorded in June (15) and August (10).
Several contributing factors were identified, including increased traffic volumes, roadworks, congestion, and extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves and rapid temperature changes. These conditions, combined with driver fatigue, reduced concentration, impatience, and distraction — particularly due to mobile phone use — significantly increased crash risk. Non-use of seatbelts and protective helmets further contributed to the severity of outcomes.
Speed
Speed continues to be the primary contributing factor in fatal road traffic collisions. In 2025, inappropriate speed was responsible for 40 deaths, a notable increase from 30 in the previous year. Data confirms that excessive or inappropriate speed remains the most common factor in fatal crashes, especially when combined with alcohol consumption and failure to use seatbelts. Controlling speed therefore remains a critical priority for enforcement and prevention activities.
Motorcyclists
A particularly concerning development in 2025 was the sharp rise in fatalities among riders of powered two-wheelers. A total of 30 riders lost their lives, including 26 motorcyclists, three moped riders, and one rider of a low-powered moped. This represents more than double the number recorded in 2024 (13).
In many cases, the primary cause was inappropriate speed. However, failures by other road users — particularly passenger car drivers not respecting right-of-way rules — also contributed to collisions. A significant proportion of fatal crashes were nevertheless caused by the riders themselves.
Victims included both young, inexperienced riders and older, experienced motorcyclists, demonstrating that vulnerability remains high across all age groups.
Substances
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs continues to play a major role in fatal road traffic collisions. In 2025, 31 people were killed in crashes involving impaired drivers, accounting for approximately one-third of all road deaths. These types of collisions are considered entirely preventable and remain a key focus area for police enforcement and awareness campaigns.
Prevention
Representatives of Slovenia’s road safety authorities stressed that many of the fatal collisions could have been avoided through responsible behaviour. They emphasised that compliance with basic safety rules — including appropriate speed, consistent use of seatbelts and helmets, and full attention while driving — remains essential to reducing fatalities. Public awareness campaigns will continue to focus on encouraging safer behaviour among all road users. The Slovenian Police have indicated that enforcement activities will continue to target the main risk factors, including speed, driver impairment and the use of safety systems. Increased controls and targeted operations are expected to form part of ongoing efforts to reverse the negative trend observed in 2025.
At the same time, preventive actions will be further strengthened through national campaigns aimed at changing road user behaviour and raising awareness of the consequences of risky driving.
Objective
Slovenia continues to pursue the long-term goal of eliminating fatalities and serious injuries on its roads. National road safety strategies emphasise a combination of enforcement, education, and legislative measures, including discussions on stricter alcohol limits, the introduction of alcohol interlocks, and the use of modern enforcement technologies. The 2025 figures serve as a clear warning that road safety requires constant attention and sustained effort. Every fatality represents not just a statistic, but a human life lost — and a tragedy that, in many cases, could have been prevented. The message from Slovenian authorities is clear: safe road use is a shared responsibility. Driving sober, at safe speeds, and with full attention remains essential to preventing further loss of life.